Happy Resurrection Day!!

Disclaimer: This blog post will not be about Resurrection Sunday. That’s the purpose of attending church service.

Yesterday, we took the kids out on a walk. Resurrection weekend was by far, the windiest of all weekends in Florida. The sun was out and the skies were clear. So, we took advantage of the weather for once and said “What the heck! Let’s go for a walk!”

While out, Ashon and I started talking about friendships and what they mean to us. We’ve been through so much with past and present friends. And I think it’s safe to say that social media plays a big part in it how we all interact with each other. It’s become unhealthy amongst friends and friendships lately. My biggest concern is that we’ve been apart of friendships where we have given so much of ourselves outside of social media that we feel that we’re putting in a lot more effort that what’s needed just to stay connected. And most times, it’s with no effort from the other parties. I made it very clear to him that I have no desire to be in any type of relationship where I am doing all the work. Those type of relationships are like leaches. They suck all the energy out of you! You know the kind, the kind when you’re constantly giving, sacrificing, helping, calling, texting, etc. Social media is now designed where most people are happy just looking at your posts and commenting to connect with you. And I despise that to my core!! Grrrrr… {Mean face!}

I hate it! Hate it! Hate it!

Whatever happened to real authentic connection? Two willing parties who want to spend good quality time together? Are we no longer in a world where a group of people can only connect by texting and liking posts?

God created us to function and exist in communities together. We were created to rely on each other to fellowship, encourage, ask difficult questions, to offer Godly counsel, to keep and hold each other accountable and to pray with and for each other. We were not created to judge, condemn, neglect, envy, covet or be jealous of one another.

Why is this so important? Because friendships should glorify God! Simply put.

So I wanted to go over and look at what the Bible has to say about our friends and purpose in our lives.

Bad Company Corrupts Good Character. 1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled:“Bad company corrupts good character.””

I’ve noticed of the last few years that I’ve become very selective with who I allow into my space. I’ve also noticed that I’m trying to hold on to friendships that I’ve outgrown. Being selective in my friendships can come off as me being closed and guarded… and maybe I am – I’ll admit that. And for good reason. I’m so selective, that when someone shows me something that is so unhealthy or make me feel that I can’t be who I am – I’m out! I’ve realized upon meeting people, that there are so many who want to be our friends, but we can’t even discuss the Bible with them. I don’t want us to hide who we are and our love for Jesus. At some point, if I’m led to always have to compromise myself and my faith, then tell me, who’s the bigger influence?

Let’s first establish that being a Christian means you are set apart. (And please allow me go on record to say that this doesn’t mean that you are better than someone else who is not a Christian – It simply just means “set apart!”) And what that means is to “not conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” You (and I) were not made to be around everyone or try to make friends with people God never ended us to be friends with. Everyone doesn’t deserve a front row seat in your life. You want to be around people who are also chasing after His heart. I so desire Godly relationships in my life that will glorify God. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that, I must live for God the best way I can and in doing so, I will know who falls into the category of a “friend who sharpens a friend”. It will show! You do the same and your cup will run over because of it.

Be selective about who you let in. You don’t have to be mean, but it may require that you slowly stop spending time with or calling that person. Guarding your heart also fall into the category of a toxic friendship. A toxic friendship is one that makes you feel bad about the good things in your life. They are not supportive in those times. It causes an imbalance in your life and other relationships. You’ll find that you will always have to watch what you say to that person and how you say it. A true friend will know how to love you at all times and will always see the best in you and know that your intentions are pure. Regardless of the season, if that friend can remain the same throughout all their struggles (and yours), prays with you, lift you up, tries to help you during hard times, encourages you….keep THAT friend!

True friendships are so hard to find. So, when you find that friend who will walk with you through life’s struggles and help you along the way, keep them! Why? Because life is hard. And it’s makes going through life a little easier.